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Can't preview or search wdseml files in mozmsgs folder

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by e-topaz

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I used to be able to search and preview the files in the mozmsgs folders, the ones with long random-looking names with the extension wdseml. Now it just says "no preview available". The mail I want to save within Thunderbird is not always the same as what I want to save in those folders, so I'd like to be able to preview them in the file manager (Windows 7 file explorer). Changing them to eml extension doesn't help, although it does allow me to import mail from other profiles into Thunderbird with the Import/Export Tool.

I also cannot search within those folders. In the past, a search would bring up the files with readable names instead of the stored names I see in the file manager. Now, I get no results. Also, in the past when I could search and get readable names, I could not delete them -- could only view. I assumed that was normal, but I'm curious about that.

I can open the files with a text editor, but without the ability to search or preview, I'd have to open each one.

I don't remember which version of Thunderbird was working before. I now have 68.12.1 (32-bit, even though most of my programs are 64-bit). OS is Windows 7. I have changed computers but not OS. I don't remember if I had the problem with the other computer (its demise was unexpected). It could be a setting on the new computer that changed, but I think my settings are the same.

Thanks for reading this.

I used to be able to search and preview the files in the mozmsgs folders, the ones with long random-looking names with the extension wdseml. Now it just says "no preview available". The mail I want to save within Thunderbird is not always the same as what I want to save in those folders, so I'd like to be able to preview them in the file manager (Windows 7 file explorer). Changing them to eml extension doesn't help, although it does allow me to import mail from other profiles into Thunderbird with the Import/Export Tool. I also cannot search within those folders. In the past, a search would bring up the files with readable names instead of the stored names I see in the file manager. Now, I get no results. Also, in the past when I could search and get readable names, I could not delete them -- could only view. I assumed that was normal, but I'm curious about that. I can open the files with a text editor, but without the ability to search or preview, I'd have to open each one. I don't remember which version of Thunderbird was working before. I now have 68.12.1 (32-bit, even though most of my programs are 64-bit). OS is Windows 7. I have changed computers but not OS. I don't remember if I had the problem with the other computer (its demise was unexpected). It could be a setting on the new computer that changed, but I think my settings are the same. Thanks for reading this.

Modified by e-topaz

All Replies (3)

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Version 68.12.1

Is this setting selected: Menu app icon > Options > Options > Advanced > 'General' tab Under 'System Integration' select checkbox 'Allow Windows Search to search messages'

Modified by Toad-Hall

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Thank you. It was not checked, but checking it didn't seem to do anything for searching or previewing. Restarting the computer did not make a difference.

Modified by e-topaz

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Quick update -- I can search parts of file names if I enter it correctly. For example, I can find the file "2w3QVEs.................x0-8%3D%40protonmail.com.wdseml" by searching for "%40protonmail" but not "protonmail". I cannot search for message content. Being able to preview would be more useful, but I could settle for searching message content.

Modified by e-topaz